Do you know that % to % of people will experience lower back pain at some point? It can be unsettling when that pain radiates to your hip, leaving you wondering what’s going on. At The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice, we understand the complexities of a herniated disc and its ability to cause hip pain. So, let’s explore effective herniated disc hip pain treatment options to get you back to feeling your best.

Understanding the Connection

A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion between the vertebrae pushes out, often irritating nearby nerves. While it’s typically associated with back or leg pain, it can also manifest as hip pain. This happens when the affected nerves in the lumbar spine also serve the hip area. Determining the correct diagnosis is critical to providing the correct treatment.

Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Hip Pain Treatment Options

Fortunately, most hip pain caused by disc herniations will improve with conservative treatment and time. We often begin with non-surgical approaches to alleviate pain and promote healing.

Conservative Treatments

These are typically the first line of defense. Doctors may recommend rest, physical therapy, and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation.

• Rest: A day or two of rest can provide initial relief, but avoid prolonged inactivity.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, prescription pain relievers or muscle relaxants may be necessary.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Heat therapy, such as a heating pad or hot compress, can loosen tight muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy with ice packs can relieve pain and inflammation. Alternating between the two can be particularly effective.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess weight puts additional strain on the joints, including the hips and spine. Even modest weight loss can reduce joint pain and symptoms.

Physical Therapy

A key component of herniated disc hip pain treatment, physical therapy involves specialized exercises and hands-on techniques to reduce pain, improve movement, and protect the disc from further damage. A physical therapist will work with you to design a specific treatment program to speed your recovery.

• Exercise and Manual Therapy: Physical therapy can help you strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate pressure on the affected disc. This may include core stabilization exercises, stretching, and manual therapy techniques.
• Nerve Mobilization Techniques: Exercises, including nerve glides, focus on reducing tension in the sciatic nerve and improving its flexibility.
• Posture Improvement: Improving your posture can reduce pressure in the injured area, allowing healing to progress more rapidly.

Alternative Therapies

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves placing very thin needles into specific points on your body. Studies show this technique can be more effective than both lumbar traction and pain medications for treating pain from herniated discs. It works by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, which can help lessen the discomfort caused by sciatica related to a herniated disc.
• Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can improve blood circulation, reduce muscle spasms, and provide pain relief. Techniques like Swedish massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy are particularly effective for some people. They help to ease muscle stiffness and alleviate sciatic pain.
• Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors can help with herniated discs through spinal manipulation. After evaluating your spine, a chiropractor will adjust it to bring it into proper alignment and relieve pressure on the disc and nerves.

Epidural Steroid Injections

These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the area around the affected nerve roots to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain for weeks or months at a time.

Surgical Intervention

When conservative treatments fail to provide sufficient relief, surgical intervention may be considered.

Surgical Options

• Microdiscectomy/Discectomy: The surgeon removes the portion of the disc that is protruding and compressing the nerve. This can be done through a minimally invasive “microdiscectomy” approach using smaller incisions.
• Laminotomy/Laminectomy: These procedures involve removing a portion of the vertebral arch (lamina) to relieve pressure on the nerve roots. A laminotomy makes a small opening, while a laminectomy removes the entire lamina. These may be done in combination with a discectomy.
• Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion (ACDF): Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat herniated discs in the neck. The surgeon removes the damaged disc and fuses the adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

Seeking Expert Advice

Navigating herniated disc hip pain treatment options can be complex. If you’re experiencing hip pain related to a herniated disc, it’s essential to seek guidance from a qualified medical professional. At The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice, our experienced team can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.